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Nursery at High Lane Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Shared early years learning gives High Lane’s nursery its character: nursery children learn alongside Reception children and explore nature in the school grounds. This is the school’s own maintained nursery, within its EYFS class, on Andrew Lane in High Lane, Stockport. Children can join from age 3. For families choosing a school setting, that means contact with the next age group is already part of nursery life.
Play and focused teaching both have a place. Children choose activities for themselves as well as taking part in planned learning, with provision indoors and outside. The school follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), using its seven learning areas to organise experiences. Development Matters also informs this work. Children’s interests and observations of their development help shape planning, so their starting points matter.
The school grounds provide space for nature exploration. Nursery and Reception children work together, giving younger children opportunities to share learning with older peers. The school aims to develop confidence, independence and the ability to manage emotions alongside early learning.
Early reading begins with listening. Daily nursery phonics includes Phase 1 skills such as body percussion, environmental sounds and rhyme, with further opportunities woven into children’s play. Children also practise hearing and combining parts of spoken words. These activities develop listening and sound awareness before structured phonics begins in Reception.
Settling starts before the first nursery session. EYFS children and their parents have transition sessions before joining, and staff gather information from families and previous settings. That gives parents an opportunity to explain their child’s needs before nursery begins.
For children needing additional support, the school uses Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycles, with parents involved in decisions. A SEND Support Plan may set out individual support. The SENDCo can be contacted at sendco@highlane.stockport.sch.uk; families already attending can also use Class Dojo. This provides a direct route for discussing developmental or communication concerns.
Under the September 2023 arrangements, families could choose a school lunch or send a cold packed lunch. School meals required ordering through Parentpay at least two clear days beforehand. Food brought from home had to be nut-free, and children needed a named bottle containing plain water. These are practical details to build into preparation for the day.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the Stockport Council Admissions Website and meet the relevant application deadline. Treat that application as a separate task, even when your child already attends nursery.
Familiarity and admission are different questions. Nursery children already learn with Reception children, while summer transition sessions introduce children to their future class teacher. Parents can meet that teacher at the July Open Evening or September Meet The Teacher event. These arrangements help children prepare for a change of class; they do not secure a place.
Up to 15 hours of free early education each week are offered during term time, in sessions lasting 3 hours. Some flexibility between mornings and afternoons may be possible. Families meeting the eligibility criteria can receive an additional funded 15 hours, with flexibility over when those hours are taken. Families who do not qualify can pay for attendance beyond 15 hours; ask the school for current charges and availability.
Collection depends on the attendance pattern. In September 2023, full-time EYFS children finished at 3.15pm and were collected from the EYFS classroom; half-day children were collected at the school office between 11.55am and 12.00pm. The school uniform included a red sweatshirt or cardigan, white polo shirt and grey skirt, shorts or trousers.
Call 01663 762378 to discuss nursery availability or arrange a visit. Nursery applications go through Stockport’s online application route.
Children can join from age 3. January or Easter entry may be possible for children already aged 3, depending on nursery numbers.
Up to 15 hours of free early education per week are offered during term time. An additional funded 15 hours is available to families meeting the eligibility criteria.
No. Families must make a separate Reception application through the Stockport Council Admissions Website before the relevant deadline.
Daily phonics develops Phase 1 listening and sound skills, including rhyme, body percussion and hearing parts of spoken words. Children also practise these skills during play.
Yes. Contact the school office on 01663 762378 to arrange a visit or join a tour.
